Sloppy commute leads to crashes

Drivers navigate snowy roads

Published 11:19 PM CST Dec 20, 2012

WAUKESHA, Wis. -

A sloppy evening commute resulted in multiple crashes on Thursday in Waukesha County.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department recorded 23 property damage only crashes and 57 vehicles in the ditch from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In Milwaukee, there were 53 calls for motorists needing service, which includes spinouts and calls for assistance.

Less than five minutes into a snowy ride-along with Waukesha County Sgt. Scott Knipper on Thursday and he found a driver whose car slid off eastbound Interstate 94 and hit a sign.

"It's busy," Knipper told WISN. "A lot of cars in the ditch. A lot of accidents."

Knipper didn't issue a citation because no one else was involved in the crash. He called for a tow truck, and the driver said he was glad for the help.

"A lot of people have never been in an accident or been in a crash, might end up in the ditch," said Knipper. "They may not know how to contact a tow truck or anything like that."

As the sun went down, WISN moved into the squad car of State Trooper Steve Lindemann, who was patrolling I-94 west of the city in Waukesha County.

"People are starting to realize that it's slick out here," he said.

Lindemann said he expected there to be more cars in the ditch, but plow drivers had covered the interstate with salt.

"With the amount of snow that's coming down now, people I think, are pretty much heeding all the information that's been put out by the media as far as slowing down, taking time, allowing distance." he said. "Overall, people are driving really well for the conditions that are out here."

"The lady officer pulled up, and I actually thank God she showed up, because if she'd never showed up, I never would have a tow truck on the way," said driver Desmond Waheed, whose car broke down on Highway 18.

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